Keeping Workers Safe in the Heat

As we begin to enter the summer months, it is a good time to remember the effects that heat can have on a person's body, especially for those that work in high-heat or high-humidity environments.

The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heatstroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention.

The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

Beware of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heatstroke when you’re involved in strenuous activity in environments of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Take time to allow your body to adjust to high-heat, high-humidity environments before exertion begins and know the symptoms of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps, and respond quickly. Remember, it is much easier to prevent heat stress injuries than to recover from them.

Heat Illness is one of 13 safety courses included in our subscription plans in our PEAK Workforce Training Center online training platform. All courses are 1-Hour, online, self-paced courses, and can be renewed annually. The training center is also available on iOS and Google mobile devices. Train your employees, including those without access to company email, right on their mobile device.

If you think the PEAK Workforce Training Center can meet your company training needs, schedule a consultation with our PEAK Workforce Training Center specialist or request a group quote for your organization.